“That’s wonderful—I think so too!” Hearing Jiang Xuening speak thus, Yao Xi felt as if she’d swallowed a reassurance pill. The smile at her lips couldn’t be suppressed, melting like ice and overflowing. She continued: “I’ll write to Father immediately. I imagine that though Zhang Zhe proactively broke the engagement, it’s not that he’s unwilling to marry me—he’s just afraid that marrying him would burden me. But if I’m willing, then he’ll certainly have no more concerns. In that case, in that case…”

In that case, the marriage could be settled.

With the Yao family’s such high status, she considered herself first-rate in both appearance and cultivation in the capital. How could Zhang Zhe possibly have any reason to refuse again?

However, for a young lady to say such things was somewhat difficult to voice, so she mumbled for a long while without speaking.

But Jiang Xuening understood.

For the remainder of the journey, Yao Xi walked beside her, seeming to completely reverse her hostility and wanting to befriend her. After all, without Jiang Xuening’s earlier advice, she might still not know that Zhang Zhe was a person of such noble character.

But Jiang Xuening didn’t want to become close with her.

Examining her heart, did she truly like Yao Xi and approve of her as a person?

The answer was negative.

Regarding the marriage discussion between Yao Xi and Zhang Zhe, she also took no pleasure in seeing it succeed.

But at this moment in time, Zhang Zhe had no understanding of Yao Xi whatsoever.

In this life, because of her own obstruction and advice, Yao Xi hadn’t used despicable means to slander Zhang Zhe or pin the reputation of bringing misfortune to wives upon him. From Zhang Zhe’s perspective, she was completely innocent. If, after receiving the letter breaking the engagement, she not only didn’t disdain him but still wanted to marry Zhang Zhe, then from Zhang Zhe’s point of view, what kind of person would Yao Xi be?

No need to even think about it.

Born to high status yet willing to lower herself to humble origins, sending charcoal in the snow rather than adding stones when someone had fallen into a well, neither opportunistic nor going back on promises.

By any measure, an excellent young lady.

Zhang Zhe would likely agree, wouldn’t he?

Jiang Xuening knew what kind of person Yao Xi was, and didn’t think Zhang Zhe should marry her.

But she had no qualification to do anything more.

Previously scolding You Yue and warning Yao Xi was because she couldn’t sit idly by while Zhang Zhe’s clear reputation was sullied. Now that Yao Xi was willing to marry, anyone under heaven could criticize or oppose—only she could not, and had no standing—

Because she harbored selfish intentions toward Zhang Zhe.

If she sabotaged this marriage arrangement, she absolutely wouldn’t dare claim with a clear conscience that it was merely because she disapproved of Yao Xi’s character.

In Fengchen Hall in the early morning, the palace attendants responsible for service had tidied each writing desk neatly. From front to back, there were three rows and three columns—nine writing desks in total. The desk in the very center of the first row was carved from red sandalwood with a lacquered surface. The chair behind it was covered with gold-red brocade cushions. At a glance, it was clearly different from the other desks, and even the Four Treasures of the Study placed upon it were more valuable.

This was obviously Grand Princess Leyang Shen Zhiyi’s seat.

When everyone entered from outside, they immediately saw this position’s uniqueness and consciously took seats at other positions. Most sat in positions similar to where they had sat when first arriving at Fengchen Hall.

Jiang Xuening almost without hesitation chose that corner position by the window.

That is, the position she’d originally sat in.

Even with the window open outside letting daylight stream in, compared to the front two rows, this remained the position least likely to catch the teachers’ attention—with a full half year ahead, she didn’t want to choose a front seat and sit under Xie Wei’s nose.

Xiao Shu and Chen Shuyi clearly both had confidence in their learning and backgrounds, choosing seats to the left and right of the Grand Princess’s position respectively. Yao Xi chose the center of the second row, directly behind Shen Zhiyi’s position. On the left and right sides were Fang Miao and Zhou Baoying respectively. The last row from left to right thus only had You Yue, Yao Rongrong, and Jiang Xuening remaining.

Today was Shen Zhiyi’s first time truly arriving at Fengchen Hall.

Mother Empress and Lady Su had already explained these past days that having classes opened for her was something Imperial Brother had only agreed to with great difficulty. There was also considerable criticism at court, many believing this matter didn’t conform to propriety. Therefore, she must cherish the opportunity and not treat it carelessly.

So she deliberately wore a proper palace dress of goose-yellow brocade with embroidered patterns.

The eight study companions including Jiang Xuening had only just arrived. With a quarter-hour still remaining before the proper hour of Mao, she walked in from outside with two personal attendant palace maids.

Everyone bowed in salutation: “Greetings to the Grand Princess, paying respects to the Grand Princess.”

Shen Zhiyi hadn’t been this happy in a long time. Her bright, beautiful face was covered in smiles. With both hands clasped behind her back, she lightly jumped once while standing on the threshold, only saying to everyone: “From now on you’re all my study companions. We’ll meet often, so don’t perform grand ceremonies every time—it tires you and tires me. Everyone rise quickly.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept in a circle.

Immediately she made a sound of surprise and walked directly before Jiang Xuening: “Ningning, why are you sitting at the very back?”

Shen Zhiyi’s forehead was adorned with a cherry-pink petal. Ever since the last Double Ninth banquet, the gloom had disappeared from her face. She’d set down the Grand Princess airs she’d deliberately put on before, instead becoming approachable with traces of girlish playfulness.

When Jiang Xuening met her concerned gaze, she couldn’t help but tremble.

She remembered seeing Shen Zhiyi looking this adorably happy in her previous life as well. But after learning she was a daughter, such expressions completely vanished from Shen Zhiyi’s face. She changed back into that Grand Princess Leyang whose eyes always tangled with traces of melancholy and whose temper grew increasingly worse.

Jiang Xuening had experienced her previous “kindness” toward herself and was terrified she would ask her to sit in front. She hurriedly blinked at her, explaining: “This subject daughter’s nature is stubborn and foolish, my studies lacking. Sitting here also spares the teachers from being vexed seeing me. If by chance they carelessly tell me to get lost, wouldn’t that be terrible?”

This was a roundabout way of saying she didn’t want to be seen by the teachers.

Shen Zhiyi understood and couldn’t help laughing: “With this Grand Princess covering for you, who would dare tell you to get lost?”

The gazes of everyone else in the hall immediately fell upon Jiang Xuening—some jealous, some complicated, some wary, some thoughtful.

Jiang Xuening could feel the subtle atmosphere in the hall.

But she also didn’t dare look.

Afraid that if she raised her head, glaring daggers would stab over and skewer her to death!

Shen Zhiyi had originally grown up in the palace showered with endless favor. Apart from toward Imperial Brother and Mother Empress, she truly didn’t understand what “acting with restraint” meant. When she liked someone, she would be unhesitatingly good to that person.

She actually had in mind to have Jiang Xuening sit beside her.

Sitting closer, she could see her with just a turn of the head—wouldn’t that be pleasant?

But looking forward again, Xiao Shu and Chen Shuyi were already sitting on her left and right in the very front row. Both were people she’d known before. Asking either to get up and switch with Jiang Xuening would likely be awkward, creating embarrassment for no reason.

So Shen Zhiyi could only give up.

She grumbled: “Since you want to sit here, sit for now. If you get tired of it someday, switching is fine too.”

Jiang Xuening breathed a sigh of relief: “Thank you for the Grand Princess’s consideration.”

Only then did Shen Zhiyi pass by her and go sit at her own desk in the center of the first row.

Xiao Shu stood up at this moment and naturally placed a brocade box on Shen Zhiyi’s desk, winking and smiling at her.

Shen Zhiyi immediately cried out in delighted surprise: “Ashu even brought me a gift!”

She picked up the brocade box and opened it. Inside was actually an exquisite shadow puppet. She immediately found it hard to put down.

Chen Shuyi also stood up at this moment, presenting with both hands the gift she’d prepared: “Hearing that the Grand Princess enjoys Mr. Gu Qi’s paintings, our family happens to have a treasured collection, so this time I brought it especially for you.”

Shen Zhiyi grew delighted with surprise again: “Shuyi is so good to me!”

Entering the palace this time, everyone was to serve as Shen Zhiyi’s study companions. Those whose families had schemes or who themselves were thoughtful had actually all prepared gifts for Shen Zhiyi—some relatively valuable, others just tokens of sentiment.

Originally no one dared present them first.

But with Xiao Shu and Chen Shuyi leading, and with Shen Zhiyi so delighted, everyone gained courage and took this opportunity to also present their prepared gifts.

Before long, many items were piled on Shen Zhiyi’s desk.

Jiang Xuening watched dumbfounded.

She recalled that when she returned home this time, she’d mainly been dealing with You Fangying’s and Yan Lin’s matters, not thinking about Shen Zhiyi at all. Now everyone had brought out gifts, but she had no preparation whatsoever!

Her eyelids twitched wildly.

She silently chanted to herself that since so many people were giving gifts, and she was still in the corner without much presence, hopefully no one would notice her.

But who would have thought—heaven didn’t comply with her wishes, and someone’s mouth was particularly cheap.

Earlier when Shen Zhiyi entered and spoke, You Yue had already been watching Jiang Xuening. At this moment she particularly noticed that everyone had brought gifts, only Jiang Xuening sat unmoving in her position, head still lowered.

Wasn’t this letting her seize the advantage?

Having learned from last time, she’d already learned not to confront Jiang Xuening directly. Only putting on a curious appearance, she pinched her voice sweetly and laughed: “I never imagined everyone would be so like-minded, all bringing gifts for the Grand Princess. Though the items differ, each has its own novelty. However, I see Second Miss Jiang sitting to the side not speaking. Could it be she’s prepared some special gift?”

With You Yue’s words, all attention that had just shifted away returned to Jiang Xuening.

Even Shen Zhiyi turned her head at once, eyes bright and shining as she looked at Jiang Xuening.

Clearly expecting Jiang Xuening to bring her a surprise.

At this moment, Jiang Xuening truly wanted to rush over and tear apart You Yue’s trouble-making stinking mouth. But turning to meet Shen Zhiyi’s expectant gaze, helplessness arose in her heart again.

She truly had no preparation whatsoever.

Should she randomly remove a jade pendant she carried on her person to make do?

Jiang Xuening truly couldn’t do it.

She slightly lowered her eyes, not looking directly at Shen Zhiyi, and sighed: “I didn’t prepare a gift.”

Xiao Shu sitting in the front row immediately raised an eyebrow hearing this and silently sneered.

You Yue revealed an even more triumphant smile, immediately covering her lips in extreme surprise: “That can’t be—the Grand Princess treats Second Miss Jiang so favorably, yet you actually… actually didn’t even prepare a gift…”

The remaining words were deliberately left unsaid, but the malicious intent need not be spoken.

The others looking at Jiang Xuening had somewhat subtle expressions: they should have sympathized with her, but for someone already so favored by the Grand Princess, how could it be their turn to sympathize?

At this moment, they all watched silently.

Thinking only: Even if the Grand Princess likes Jiang Xuening very much, under such stark contrast, she should realize she’s not that devoted to her and won’t be happy no matter what, right?

They weren’t wrong in their estimation. Shen Zhiyi, upon hearing Jiang Xuening say she hadn’t prepared a gift, indeed felt an indescribable loss, even somewhat hurt. Thinking that she treated her so well, everyone else could think to prepare gifts for her—how could she not think of it?

But in the very next moment, she saw Jiang Xuening’s posture with head bowed and eyes lowered.

Neither arguing nor explaining.

Her features were extremely gorgeous—with every movement of eyes and brows, she seemed like branches trembling with dew. At this moment, her slender neck lowered, actually making one’s heart soften, even unable to help feeling heartache.

Shen Zhiyi suddenly recalled what Yan Lin had once said to her, recalled Jiang Xuening’s background, recalled her circumstances in the manor…

Jiang Xuening was lowering her head pondering what kind of reason she should find. Having just gotten some idea, she raised her head wanting to explain for herself: “Actually, I—”

But never expected that before her words emerged, Shen Zhiyi’s eyes had already reddened, actually saying to her: “I know, I understand everything.”

You—what do you know?

Jiang Xuening’s heart skipped a beat, almost thinking she knew some secret of hers. But raising her eyes, she was nearly frightened by her about-to-cry appearance.

Her instinct told her something was wrong: “Your Highness…”

But Shen Zhiyi had already risen and come before her, grasping her hand with a determined appearance: “Ningning, don’t worry. With me here, I absolutely won’t let anyone bully you! What does not preparing a gift matter? Your coming as a study companion is already the best gift I’ve received.”

Jiang Xuening: “…”

But for me that’s a bolt from the blue, okay?! And just what did you imagine now?!

Everyone around thought that even if Shen Zhiyi didn’t blame her, she would develop misgivings in her heart. Who could have imagined things would suddenly develop this way?

Xiao Shu was already stunned.

You Yue’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor!

But Shen Zhiyi had already decided in her heart that Jiang Xuening was a pitiful thing whose father didn’t love her and whose mother didn’t care for her. With such circumstances at home, how could she prepare gifts for herself?

She’d nearly blamed her—truly inappropriate.

So beyond heartache, unable to help wanting to treat her well, she pointed at her own desk: “Look, these are all gifts from them. See if there’s any you like—I’ll give them all to you!”

Jiang Xuening: “…”

Swish swish swish swish—

Glaring daggers flew all around!

No one could believe what they’d heard. The gifts they’d carefully prepared for the Grand Princess were actually going to be turned around and given by the Grand Princess to someone who hadn’t prepared any gift for her at all?!

So only Jiang Xuening is a treasure, and we’re all just grass!

Never mind them—even Jiang Xuening couldn’t help feeling a heart attack on their behalf.

Immediately after, she had a heart attack on her own behalf.

This was simply drawing everyone’s hatred to maximum in an instant!

But looking at this sincere and bright face before her, truly treating her well, she truly couldn’t blame her.

Thus, Jiang Xuening suddenly gained new understanding—

From now on, she should just wholeheartedly cling tightly to Shen Zhiyi’s thick thigh. As for everyone else, they didn’t look like people she could befriend anymore anyway—might as well let them think what they want!

Inside Fengchen Hall, the atmosphere froze for a moment.

Everyone harbored their own thoughts.

Fortunately, at this moment a clear, calm voice came from outside the hall, breaking this suffocating silence. It was Xie Wei ascending the steps with measured pace, softly asking: “Have the Grand Princess and study companions all arrived?”

Jiang Xuening’s eyelid immediately twitched.